Novel Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Technique to Modernize the JVP Exam and Rule out Elevated Right Atrial Pressures

Accurate assessment of the jugular venous pressure (JVP) and right atrial pressure (RAP) has relied on the same bedside examination method since 1930. While this technique provides a rough estimate of right sided pressures, it is limited by poor sensitivity and overall diagnostic inaccuracy. The internal jugular vein (IJV) is difficult to visualize in many patients and relies on an incorrect assumption that the right atrium lies 5 centimeters below the sternum. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) offers an alternative method for more precisely estimating JVP and RAP. We propose a novel method of measuring the right atrial depth (RAD) using a sonographic measurement of the depth of the posterior left ventricular outflow tract as a surrogate landmark to the center of the right atrium when viewed in the parasternal long axis view. This is combined with determination if JVD was present at the supraclavicular point. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of JVD at the supraclavicular point was 70%, 76%, 59%, 91% respectively. These values were confounded by the lack of standardization of zero reference landmarks (ZRLs) used during the right heart catheterizations. When the RAD measurement was adjusted to account for measurement error the sensitivity of JVD at supraclavicular point for elevated RAP improved to 90% with negative predictive value of 96%. This may offer a rapid and reliable method for ruling out elevated RAP and increase objectivity in our volume status assessment.